The Great Siege

Malta 1565

By: Ernle Bradford

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Suleiman the Magnificent, sultan of the Ottoman Empire and the most powerful ruler in the world, was determined to conquer Europe. Only one thing stood in his way: a dot of an island in the Mediterranean called Malta, which was occupied by the Knights of Saint John, the cream of the warriors of the Holy Roman Empire. A clash of civilizations was shaping up, the likes of which had not been seen since Persia invaded Greece. Determined to capture Malta and use its port to launch operations against Europe, Suleiman sent an armada and an overwhelming army. A few thousand defenders in Fort Saint Elmo fought to the last man, enduring cruel hardships. When the Turks captured the fort, they took no prisoners and mutilated the defenders’ bodies. Grand Master La Vallette of the Knights reciprocated by decapitating his Turkish prisoners and using their heads to cannonade the enemy. Then the battle for Malta began in earnest: no quarter asked, none given.

The Great Siege is not merely a gripping tale of brutality, courage, and tenacity but the saga of two mighty civilizations struggling for domination of the known world.

Ernle Bradford (1922–1986) was a prominent British historian specializing in the Mediterranean world and naval history. He served in the Royal Navy for the duration of World War II and later traveled throughout the Mediterranean, living for a while on Malta. He was a BBC broadcaster and magazine editor, as well as the author of many acclaimed books, including biographies on Cleopatra, Hannibal, and Caesar.

©2012 Ernle Bradford (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc

Absolutely Inspiring!!!

Where does The Great Siege rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I stumbled on this book and thought I'd give it a shot... That was 3 days ago... I'm reading for the second time right now. Extraordinary!

Great history lesson

This is a great book. Very hard to turn off; I could listen to the whole book in one sitting.

Highly recommended.

This book is one of the most engaging books about battle that I have ever read. It has all the drama of a epic film, the mystery of a forgotten time in history, and the inspirations that comes from brave people overcoming great difficulties.

When the Knights defending St. Elmo die knowing that no help will save them you mourn, but you also are inspired because they knew that their deaths had meaning because it meant buying time for the rest of the island of Malta.

Good book. Highly recommended.

Amazing

This book is an amazing. It is an easy read and the narrator does an outstanding job.

Amazing story

A great book that really describes fighting and winning on the three planes of war, physical, mental and moral.

siegue Of Malta

Excelente narración del asedio de Malta. Honra la memoria de los que lucharon y murieron defendiendo su fe.

Old reader

A part of history I little about, but I found it quite interesting and fascinating.

Mind blowing history

I suggest opening Google Maps and finding the sites on Malta where the action takes place. It makes it come alive. Amazing what went on and the intensity of the belligerents. Real life saga. What a story!

interesting story well told

An interesting story well told. important history to remember for everyone. it won't let me submit this I think maybe they want more words I have no patience for this

Lost classic

If you could sum up The Great Siege in three words, what would they be?

Historic, epic, engrossing

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

Simon Vance's delivery brings the weight of history to this under-told event. You are immersed by his speech but never overwhelmed and never, never bored. Minor details become as vibrant as the battles themselves in his capable narration.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, yes and again yes.

Any additional comments?

Published in 1961, this history of the Turkish invasion on Malta and its epic defense by the Knights of St John is a truly fine historical account. Six hundred years after the events, it is still a stirring account of heroism, devotion and courage.